In Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Gaia
In the Beginning was The Divine Feminine
The Divine Feminine isn’t just a spiritual concept or a mythical deity — it’s an essential part of our history and psyche. It’s the qualities that often come naturally to us, like nurturing, intuition, compassion, and understanding. It’s not limited by gender — it’s a universal energy we all carry within us.
The essence of the Divine Feminine never truly vanished. It’s still present, waiting for us to acknowledge, embrace, and bring back into the balance of our lives and the world.
For years, I’ve been on a personal journey deconstructing the essence of the divine feminine, unraveling its rich history, and its portrayal in Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. I’ve observed how societal shifts have diminished its glow and the ripple effects of this change. I’ve sought answers, searching for ways to mend and grow. And I see parallels between this erosion and the gradual neglect of Gaia, our cherished Mother Earth. How do we find our way back to the Divine Feminine, and why does it matter to us now?
The Divine Feminine—Understanding the Meaning
The Divine Feminine is a concept encompassing various attributes related to feminine energy. It’s primarily associated with characteristics such as intuition, community, empathy, and collaboration. The principle has been symbolized over time through elements like the Moon, the Earth, and the Sea, given their roles in nurturing and supporting life.
Across different cultures and religions, goddesses have been revered as representations of the Divine Feminine, each emphasizing specific aspects of this profound concept.
Understanding the Divine Feminine goes beyond just recognizing these characteristics. It’s about appreciating and incorporating them into ourselves and our lives. By doing so, and by achieving a balance with our masculine energies, we can lead a more enriched and harmonious existence.
The Changing Role of the Divine Feminine
In ancient times, many cultures and religions held the Divine Feminine in high esteem. They saw it as an integral part of spirituality and identity. In these societies, the worship of goddesses was common, and women often played central roles in religious and spiritual ceremonies.
But as time moved on, especially with the rise of patriarchal systems, the landscape began to change. The recognition and value given to the Divine Feminine started to erode. In religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, male figures began to take center stage in religious narratives.
This shift didn’t just affect religious practices. It had a broad impact, touching various facets of society, culture, and individual psychology. Over time, the qualities associated with the feminine were increasingly sidelined, leading to a diminished appreciation of these attributes and an overall societal imbalance.
The Divine Feminine’s Presence in Christianity
Within Christianity, Mary, the mother of Jesus, emerged as the beacon of the Divine Feminine in Christianity. She exemplifies qualities such as kindness, understanding, and selfless love. Despite this, her significance is overshadowed by more dominant male figures in Christian teachings. The emphasis on her was primarily about her virtuous nature and virginity, narrowing the representation of feminine characteristics.
Historical decisions within the church have further muted the role of the Divine Feminine in Christianity. Notably, at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, there was a conscious choice to exclude many texts that acknowledged the Divine Feminine. Instead, the focus was on those writings that supported a male-centric view of divinity.
Marguerite Porete (d. 1310) was a French mystic and author of The Mirror of Simple Souls. Marguerite’s writings were considered heretical. She emphasized a deep, personal union with God that bypassed the institutional Church and its sacraments. She was eventually tried as a heretic and burned at the stake in Paris.
“This Soul, who is full of pureness, flies and jumps and dances for the very joy that is in her. She has become the place where God takes His delight; for when she left herself, then God was able to act wholly in her, and she is made a partaker of His divine nature.” — Marguerite Porete
This diminishing of the Divine Feminine in Christian doctrine has created a perception where divinity is largely seen through a masculine lens. This has impacted not only religious teachings but also the broader understanding of the interplay between feminine and masculine energies within individuals and society.
Biblical Narratives and Their Impacts
Many stories in the Bible have cast women in a less favorable light. The account of Eve in Genesis is one such story. Here, Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit, influenced by the serpent, culminated in humanity’s banishment from paradise. Over centuries, this narrative has been interpreted to cast women as impressionable and the root cause of original sin.
Similarly, Jezebel’s portrayal in Kings as a conniving queen misguiding King Ahab has contributed to an enduring stereotype of women as deceptive. Her name is even now used as a byword for wickedness, underscoring the persistent, skewed perceptions of women in certain interpretations.
Elaine Pagels’ The Gnostic Gospels sheds light on early Christian texts omitted from the New Testament. These texts often celebrated female figures or presented a balanced view of genders.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a genuine mystic, exemplifying her visionary experiences and spiritual insights. Her contributions to music, medicine, theology, and her role as a female leader in a male-dominated society make her a significant female figure in the history of the Middle Ages. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Hildegard a Doctor of the Church, which is one of the highest titles of recognition the Catholic Church can bestow upon a theologian.
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.” Hildegard of Bingen
Hildegard von Bingen: O Euchari in leta via, BN 53
Buddhism and the Feminine Essence
Buddhism celebrates the Divine Feminine through iconic figures like Kuan Yin and Tara. Kuan Yin, symbolizing compassion, and Tara, the beacon of liberation, both emphasize virtues such as wisdom, compassion, and the path to enlightenment.
Yet, just as with Christianity, Buddhism has its shadows over the Divine Feminine. A clear indication of this is the way women were historically excluded from the monastic fold and the presentation of women as inferior in some sacred writings.
I spent time in retreat at Koyasan, the heart of Shingon Buddhism, nestled on Japan’s Mount Koya. With over 117 temples dotting the landscape, it’s surprising how few were dedicated to nuns. These few were positioned lower down the mountain, near the entrance.
Established in 816 as a training center for monks, the narrative often neglects the nuns who resided there and their profound influence on Shingon Buddhism. Within the Shingon tradition, nuns establish their own monastic communities, practices, and rituals. Even today, their roles and contributions are less highlighted and acknowledged compared to their male peers.
This overshadowing of the Divine Feminine has tilted Buddhism’s scales. While detachment and discipline are essential, they’ve been championed over compassion and connection, core principles associated with the feminine.
Yeshe Tsogyal (757–817), an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, was one of the main students of Guru Padmasambhava and is considered a female Buddha. Her teachings and significance were obscured by her male counterparts and, to this day, are excluded in Buddhist practices.
“The basis for realizing enlightenment is a human body. Male or female, there is no great difference. But if she develops the mind bent on enlightenment the woman’s body is better.” — Yeshe Tsogyal
The Monastic Landscape and Women
Mahapajapati Gotami, the Buddha’s stepmother, was the first woman to request ordination. Bhikkhunis, or Female Monastics, were integral to early Buddhism. Initially, the Buddha was reluctant to ordain women but later relented after Ananda — his cousin and personal attendant, interceded on their behalf. But as time passed, most Buddhist traditions imposed stricter rules on them, relegating them to a status beneath their male equivalents.
The Bhikkhuni Sangha, a female monastic community, flourished for several centuries but eventually dissolved in many Theravada countries. While there have been recent efforts to revive the Bhikkhuni Sangha, they have met with much resistance.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, Dakini is a type of female spiritual entity representing energies or principles. While Dakinis are revered, their teachings and stories are enveloped in layers of esotericism and not prominently shared or understood outside specialized circles.
One of my early teachers, Judith Simmer-Brown, explored the concept of Dakinis in her book Dakini’s Warm Breath: The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism. Through her teachings, I came to understand how the Dakini represents personal growth and realization. It’s about cherishing our bodies, regardless of gender, appreciating the deep connection between our body and mind during meditation, and experiencing the transformative power of rituals. Judith’s insights offer a fresh perspective on Tibetan Buddhism from the Feminine perspective.
The lesser focus on female figures like Taras or Yoginis often echoed the broader societal patterns rather than the core Buddhist teachings. In many places where Buddhism blossomed, the stories were tinted with the shades of the prevailing patriarchal norms. But times are changing. These days there’s a growing curiosity to bring to light the roles and teachings of women in the Buddhist narrative.
Women in Buddhism — Images of the Feminine in the Mahayana Tradition by Diana Y. Paul offers a comprehensive lens into women’s roles and depictions in Buddhism. This work unpacks the intricate mosaic of female imagery, roles, and representations within the Buddhist world.
Ani Choying Drolma— Buddhist Nun — 7 Lines Prayer of Guru Rinpoche
7 Lines Prayer of Guru Rinpoche
Hung
In the northwest frontier of the land of Odiyana
On the stem of a lotus flower
Endowed with the most marvelous spiritual attainments
You are renowned as the Lotus Born
Surrounded by a retinue of many Dakinis
We practice following in your footsteps
Please come and grant your blessings!
Islam and the Feminine Dimension
In the Islamic tradition, the rich tapestry of mysticism, particularly Sufism, has included influential women whose stories and contributions have been overlooked, marginalized, or suppressed due to cultural and societal norms. The Divine Feminine shines through figures like Fatima Zahra and Khadijah. Fatima, the cherished daughter of Prophet Muhammad — peace be upon him, and his esteemed first wife, Khadijah, exemplify qualities of wisdom, resilience, and steadfast faith.
Islam’s early phase saw a powerful focus on establishing women’s rights and ensuring equality. Sufism, with its mystic undertones, upheld the feminine principle. Female Sufi luminaries are still highly esteemed, contributing richly to this spiritual path.
Rabi’a al-Adawiyya — Rabia Basri (c. 717–801) is one of the most renowned female Sufi mystics and poets in Islamic history. Rabi’a was pivotal in emphasizing divine love and non-attachment to the world. While her teachings have been celebrated by many—historical accounts have marginalized or romanticized her, focusing on her piety and asceticism rather than her theological contributions.
O my Lord,
If I worship you
From fear of hell, burn me in hell.
If I worship you
From hope of Paradise, bar me from its gates.
But if I worship you
For yourself alone, grant me then the beauty of your Face.
— Rabi’a al-Adawiyya
As with other major religions, the celebration of the Divine Feminine in Islam has been eclipsed. Cultural and historical elements have played a role, leading many Islamic communities to celebrate male-centric values, and ignoring the feminine’s vital contributions.
This has led to an imbalanced interpretation of Islam. With the spotlight on masculine elements of governance and jurisprudence, the equally essential feminine qualities of compassion and mercy often take a back seat. The hijab is a case in point. While its essence is to champion modesty and mutual respect, it has been wielded as a tool to curtail women’s liberties, dictating their societal roles.
Even though the Qur’an underscores men's and women’s spiritual parity, there are tales in Islamic lore that paint women in a less favorable hue. The Qur’an references the story of Lot’s wife—known as Lut in Arabic, who was destroyed for defying instructions to leave Sodom and Gomorrah, akin to the biblical narrative where she transforms into a pillar of salt.
Additionally, some Hadiths, records of the Prophet’s sayings and deeds, have been cited to present women in a less flattering light. An often-quoted Hadith attributed to the Prophet Muhammad suggests that Hell has a larger female populace.
“I stood at the gate of the Fire and saw that the majority of those who entered it were women.”
A Glimpse into Pre-Islamic Arabia
Allāt, the mother goddess linked to fertility, earth, and war—al-’Uzzá, known as the Mighty One and seen as a protector—and Manāt, the deity of fate, determining life span and death, were all pre-Islamic Arabian goddesses. They were widely worshipped in the Arabian Peninsula before the rise of Islam.
These goddesses are referenced in the Qur’an in Surah An-Najm (53:19–22), which emphasizes that they are mere names conjured up by the ancestors, particularly the Quraysh of Mecca, and hold no true divine significance.
With the rise of Islam, the worship of these goddesses and other idols was abolished in favor of monotheism.
Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate by Leila Ahmed offers a thorough examination of women’s roles, starting from pre-Islamic eras to contemporary Islamic discussions.
“Heaven lies at the feet of mothers” - Fatima of Cordoba (10th century) — Andalusian Sufi mystic
Patriarchy’s Impact on Dimming the Divine Feminine
The ripple effect of patriarchy is seen far and wide, and it goes beyond religion. By championing masculine traits and depreciating feminine qualities, a skewed perspective of the divine emerges. Such a viewpoint not only hinders spiritual growth but also shapes our interactions, societies, and the world at large. This tilt underscores the need for equilibrium, valuing both the masculine and feminine, for a more harmonious existence.
Zooming in on the societal canvas, this neglect is evident. The diminishing reverence for the Divine Feminine often dovetails with events of gender disparities, rising hostilities, and environmental neglect. These outcomes hint at the depth of the influence that the Divine Feminine Principle once wielded in establishing harmony and balance.
On the individual front, the implications are equally perceivable. As we distance ourselves from feminine attributes, feelings of alienation and inner discord become more pronounced. Embracing both masculine and feminine traits is integral to nurturing a balanced self, and any shift from this equilibrium can lead to a fragmented self-perception.
On the ethereal plane, where spirituality holds sway, the decline of the Divine Feminine muddies our understanding of divinity itself. By placing the masculine on a pedestal and relegating the feminine, we inadvertently cripple our spiritual journey. This imbalance curtails our ability to fully connect with the multifaceted nature of the divine, leaving a void in our quest for spiritual fulfillment.
Gaia—The Earth as the Ultimate Feminine
When we trace back the decline of the feminine principle in many spiritual doctrines, a similar trajectory is evident in how we have treated our planet, specifically Mother Earth. With the ascent of industrial progression, rampant consumer culture, and a predominant human-centered outlook, there emerged a noticeable rift between humans and the natural world. This distancing bred indifference and exploitation of the Earth’s resources.
One glaring example is the rampant deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, a region often termed Earth’s breathing apparatus. The underlying cause for such devastation is the prevailing mentality skewing heavily towards monetary gains, overlooking the fundamental health and balance of our planet.
In another scenario, the contamination of our vast oceans is a stark reflection of the devaluation of the feminine. The immense waters, nurturing and sustaining life, are now under threat due to our negligent actions.
Throughout different eras and across diverse civilizations, a pattern emerges — the manner in which societies perceive the feminine often mirrors their stance towards the environment. Both these elements have been exalted at times, but have also faced disregard and subordination at other times.
Turning a blind eye to the feminine essence and Mother Earth has resulted in serious ramifications. The stark realities of climate change, the dwindling biodiversity, and the deterioration of our soils aren’t just isolated incidents. Instead, they hint at a more profound disconnection from the feminine essence and our planet. Overlooking the value of the feminine principle creates an imbalance in our communities and how we interact with the environment.
Rediscovering the Essence of the Divine Feminine
The Divine Feminine is key to embarking on a path of holistic healing, bridging gaps, and seeking equilibrium. It means understanding and valuing the feminine dimensions of the divine and assimilating these elements into our psyche.
This reconnection can sprout from multiple avenues — be it through contemplative practices like meditation, through ceremonial activities, or by immersing oneself in the stories and teachings of revered goddesses and eminent women from various spiritual doctrines.
Emphasizing the Divine Feminine isn’t an act of diminishing the masculine. Instead, it’s about nurturing a balance between the two pivotal forces. It underscores the essence that both feminine and masculine energies are pillars for a harmonious coexistence.
Even as the feminine doctrine witnessed phases of decline, there’s been a persistent undertone of resurgence across religious spectra. This reawakening has led to the re-evaluation of scriptures, calls for inclusive rituals, and demands for equality within religious institutions.
Reinterpreting Sacred Scriptures
A prominent strategy for the resurgence of the feminine doctrine is the re-examination of sacred scriptures. By scrutinizing these texts through a lens that’s more gender-neutral or feminist, we unearth a more symmetric vision of the divine, countering age-old patriarchal interpretations.
Championing Inclusivity in Religious Rites
An integral step in this resurgence is fostering inclusivity within religious congregations. This entails acknowledging the endeavors of women, bolstering their involvement in spiritual leadership roles, and revering the feminine aspect through religious rituals and symbols.
Paving the Path for Parity in Religious Circles
The rejuvenation of the feminine principle is intrinsically linked to advocating for gender parity within religious spheres. By questioning gender-based hierarchies and endorsing an egalitarian approach, religious fraternities can echo the harmonious and comprehensive spirit of the divine.
Final Thoughts—Today’s Relevance of the Divine Feminine
Contemplating the significance of the divine feminine in today’s world leads to some reflective questions. How do we acknowledge and honor the feminine facets of divinity and, equally, within us? The answer lies in establishing equilibrium between feminine and masculine energies, paving the way for a cohesive coexistence.
Living in times heavily influenced by masculine dynamism, the touch of the Divine Feminine provides a much-needed counterbalance. It calls on us to cultivate traits such as empathy, intuitive understanding, and mutual cooperation, and to regard these qualities as divine and as essential as their masculine counterparts.
The Divine Feminine isn’t solely a theological or metaphysical term. Instead, it’s a guiding tenet steering us towards a more just, harmonized, and balanced society. It’s a doctrine that, when rekindled and appreciated, can enrich our lives and the world at large, transcending specific religious or spiritual affiliations.
“As we move forward into a new phase of human evolution, a deeper understanding of our past can provide a road map for the future — one where spirituality is once again not equated with violence and the suppression of half of humanity, but with our capacity to live in harmony with one another and our environment.” — Riane Eisler author The Chalice and The Blade
Authors note—In spirituality, duality refers to the concept of two fundamental and opposing forces or principles. It’s the idea that our existence is shaped by contrasts — male and female, good and evil, light and darkness, positive and negative.
Rather than seeing these pairs as separate entities, spirituality emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of these opposites. By understanding and embracing duality, we can seek balance and harmony in our spiritual journey.
Comentarios